The Book of Jahāngīr's Fortune 10.4

10.4

This movement alarmed Ibrahim Khan, who hastened thither, taking with him Ahmad Khan Beg, leaving others in charge of his fortified post. He sent over before him some war-boats, called in Hindi niwárá, to prevent the passage of the enemy. But before the boats arrived, Darya Khan had crossed over. On hearing this, Ibrahim Khan sent Ahmad Beg over the river against Darya Khan; but when he landed, a fight began on the banks of the river, and he lost many of his men ; so he turned back and rejoined Ibrahim Khan, carrying with him the news of his defeat. Ibrahim sent to the fortress for a reinforcement, and a party of well-mounted horsemen came to his aid. On hearing of this, Darya Khan retreated some kos, and ’Abdu-lla Khan, under the guidance of the landholders, crossed the river some kos higher up and joined him. The united forces took up a position, with the river on one flank and a thick jungle on the other. Ibrahim Khan crossed over, and gave battle. * * The advanced force was defeated, * * disorder arose, and many fled. Ibrahim Khan, with a small party of followers, disdained to escape; and although some of his men seized his bridle, and tried to drag him out of the fight, he exclaimed, “My life does not need such a course; what can I do better than die on the field of battle?” He had scarcely uttered the words, when the enemy gathered round and despatched him.